David Bakhtiari posted a long social-media message stating he will be released this week from the Green Bay Packers after 11 seasons with the team.
The left tackle will enter free agency, with several suitors expected for the five-time All-Pro selection. Among them could be the New York Jets, where his former quarterback Aaron Rodgers now plays.
Bakhtiari announced the forthcoming release himself on X alongside a video montage set to ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra.
Bakhtiari has played for the Packers for his entire NFL career after being drafted by the team in the fourth round in 2013. The former Colorado star has also made three Pro Bowls.
He played with Rodgers for 10 seasons.
Bakhtiari has been one of the NFL’s most consistent offensive lineman over the last decade
Bakhtiari protected Rodgers’ blind side for a decade with the Packers as the team’s left tackle
‘A lot of emotion in this. I just want to say THANK YOU Green Bay,’ Bakhtiari said. ‘Thank you for the last 11 years. It’s been a hell of a run. I always wanted to raise a Lombardi on Lombardi avenue, but I will never complain.’
‘I gave it my all. I always gave it my best no matter the circumstance and to me, that truly was enough. My 32 year old self is so damn proud of that 21 year old with no facial hair, bushy tail kid that just wanted to do his best. I’m so proud of you,’ Bakhtiari continued.
‘For whatever happens next, I look forward to it. To the city and fans all across the world, I just want to say thank you. To the entire organization, Thank you. To entire coaching staffs, Thank you. To the entire support staff, Thank you.,’ Bakhtiari added.
‘To my wife and daughter (Frankie and Felix): I hope you are proud. To my family (Debbie, Karl, Eric, Andrew, and Danielle): I hope I represented our name with pride these past 11 years in Green Bay. I cannot thank everyone, so I hope this post will suffice. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile, because it happened,’ Baktiari concluded.
Bakhtiari will no doubt have several teams attempting to sign him once he hits free agency
Rodgers joined the Jets last offseason in a blockbuster trade that saw the four-time NFL MVP dealt at age 39. Rodgers will turn 41 in the middle of the next NFL season.
Rodgers made it four offensive snaps with his new team before tearing his Achilles and missing the rest of the season.
The Jets fell apart with Zach Wilson calling the offensive shots, and Rodgers is getting healthy to pick up the pieces.
New York could use all the offensive line help it can get with Bakhtiari now on the open market.
